No apology needed on the spelling and punctuation errors. It’s a thorn in my side. I try to proof each article yet they still bite me. It’s hard to see things clearly after you’ve just written something. And the time to go back and look at it never seems to happen.

I don’t like them but I’ve grown to accept them. In response to this post I’m going back through the post and when I’m done they’ll probably still be some there. I think I need a personal editor for the blog.

Sean

I’m really sorry to say this, but there are spelling and punctuation errors in the article you wrote. Otherwise, it is right on point.

Thanks for the comment.

Sean

You may be more attractive to folks hunting business than I based on where you work. Unsolicited invitations are somewhat like cold calls, but it depends upon the perspective of the recipient. I periodically invite people I don’t know to connect because I think they can be of value to my network or business. In return though I make sure that I tell them how I can add value to their network.

If you think of unsolicited invitations like a cold call than archiving the invitation would be like ending the call. Choosing IDK is like reporting them to the police for harassing you. Likely if you Archive or don’t respond to the invitation the person will not send another one. There is nothing you personally can gain from choosing IDK other than being able to say to yourself “That will teach that person to not send unsolicited invitations”.

My quick thought is that if there is no benefit why do it. It won’t stop the next person from sending you a connection invitation.

As far as keeping your networking somewhat closed that is neither right nor wrong. It’s simply your choice. If you’re looking to monetize LinkedIn then its not good. But if you want to strictly communicate with those you know and build a reference network then its fine. As long as your profile is public though you will periodically get those connection invitations.

As far as being a gatekeeper do you specifically know that all of your connections are not interested in connecting to people they don’t know? Connecting to another doesn’t expose your current connections anymore than them simply being in the LinkedIn database. People can still find them through keyword searches, their other connections, etc. I think that the perspective of protecting a network is a fallacy that people use to explain why they don’t connect to others they don’t know.

In the end however you choose to control your network and interact is your decision. Do what works best for you.

Warm Regards,

Sean

Thanks for the comments and the note to link to other articles a I mention.

Sean

Excellent “common sense” post. It can go a long way in improving everyone’s experience on LinkedIn.

Just a suggestion, you mentioned about your “top 5 strategic mistakes on LinkedIn” article… it might be a good idea to link the phrase to that article itself.

Jitesh

I am excited that as a newbie, I have already implemented the Archive instead of IDK as you have suggested. I felt it was a kinder approach. It looks like common sense and considering other’s feelings prevails! Once again I will be implementing your suggestions. With much gratitude!